“The investigative team has made great progress in the investigation. Persons of interest have been identified,” Sandhu said. “As a result of the investigation’s progress police wish to inform the community of Greater Victoria that there is no reason to believe the public is at risk.”

Sandhu said “the investigative team continues to work hard at gathering evidence to support charges against those responsible for (Payne’s) homicide.

“We want to thank the public and specifically the residents of Metchosin who have remained patient as police work through this extensive investigation.”

To further the investigation, police are asking the public to help identify the owner of a backpack that was recovered on July 9. The backpack is navy blue with large beige lettering on the front identifying the brand as “Journeys by Jerry Van Dyke.”

Anyone with information regarding the murder of Martin Payne, or the owner of the backpack, is asked to contact the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit’s information line at 250-380-6211.

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Police are looking for the owner of this backpack as part of an investigation into the murder of Martin Payne. Payne, 60, was found dead in his Metchosin home on July 12. (Photo courtesy of West Shore RCMP)